Acscomposite's Weblog

Why ACS Composite products are unlike anything else…

acscomposite — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 13:20:08 +0000

ACS’s history is derived from OEM experience and engineering, the company’s philosophy is to apply its knowledge and technology gained from the OEM programs and offer the same quality standard to all its product line including the aftermarket. In a nutshell the secret is RTM, Resin Transfer Molding, it is a manufacturing process where dry continuous fiberglass mat is placed in a closed female / male tool. Under pressure the mold cavity is filled with liquid catalyzed resin. Most entry level or prototype composite panels are made using chopped strand mat, a cost effective solution and favorable for hand made parts, chopped strand mats are random 1” strands of glass mats compared to the continuous mats which is indefinite and offering a very consistent and predicable mechanical property. By automating the process ACS engineers are able to control each manufacturing variable to produce a product built to match the required specifications.

How can you tell the difference? Visually, ACS parts are smooth on both sides, and are prepped and primed. The rest is in the formulation and durability of the part. Time will tell you… It is all about the process and materials used…

ACS’s RTM process utilizes large presses and heavy tooling to ensure quality parts. ACS’s proprietary molds are computer temperature controlled for repeatability and part consistency. Average tool weight is 4-5000 lbs. Another secret, unlike typical hand laminated parts, which are made in low cost lightweight composite tools, which tend to distort and bend over time.

Parts are same thickness throughout, insure proper stack height and an excellent fit on the vehicle
Smooth finish on both sides of panel
Similar mechanical properties to SMC (Sheet Molding Compound)
Consistent glass/resin ratio content
Fully cured in mold
High filler rate for great heat distortion resistance
Tested for automotive glass A finish
No air pocket or dry spots
Tested for durability and show finish, will not distort under extreme heat
Environmentally friendly, low VOC emissions as part is cured in a closed mold

Many will say they can purchase fiberglass hoods for half the price. Just like cars, performance will vary with each model. ACS’s RTM manufacturing process has been tested and validated by both GM and Ford and can be found on some of America’s most recognizable muscle and supercars like Camaro’s and the centennial Ford GT. Unlike most aftermarket composite panels, ACS’s process has been tested to withstand High Heat and 7 yr. durability standards; a requirement for class A automotive panels.

No Gel coats are used. Gel coats are the industry’s “Band Aid”. Glossy and Shiny it is a perfect cover up for a part out of box. ACS’s parts are molded using no gel coats; this is the only way parts can be fully inspected prior to assembly and ensure our customer get a part they can enjoy for years to come.

Finally, ACS parts are the only aftermarket parts, which are prepped and primed. The final step in each ACS panel is to hand sand and prime the panels using automotive primers, a step your painter and body shop will greatly appreciate.

The next time you are shopping for Composite Panels, make sure to ask, how are the panels made. What type of standards and testing has been done to claim “quality fiberglass”, and most important what type of raw materials were used, we can proudly say our materials and labor is exclusively from America!

ACS T2 AND T3 Port Installation video in Richie’s Garage

acscomposite — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 02:09:54 +0000

Below is an install video of forum member Richie (Camaro 2LT) performing the installation of a set of T2 ports with DRL’s on his Camaro. I would like to thank him and his family for the great hospitality… as with most memorable mods, the best part was hanging out… while the mod came to life. In a few hours we witnessed the transformation of his front bumper come to life…

Parts on hand were ACS’s T2 ports painted satin black with DRL brackets, the install was done with basic tools without ever dealing with paint or color matching… Total working time was 4 hours, with 3 hours of sitting time to let the adhesive cure on a hot summer night, and may be 2-3 beers

During the sitting time we were fortunate to get treated to a great BBQ with Richie’s Family. Thanks’ a million to the Durso Family!

And best of all we spent a few hours in what I call the Camaro Shrine; now named “Richie’s Garage”

Enjoy the video, and feel free to comment!!!

ACS Holiday Greetings !

acscomposite — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:31:46 +0000

ACS Camaro T1 Lights For T2 Bumper

acscomposite — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:41:41 +0000

Our latest Camaro upgrade and will transform your Camaro front end with the ever so desired Quad Lighting System. It will install in any T2 Port or Bumper.

Make it your 2011 Resolution to have your Camaro updated before the Zl1 Arrives; Don’t be a clone, make it your own.

ACS’s new T1 High Intensity LED Light is designed to maximize lighting efficiency while benefiting LED low power consumption. Its reflector is designed for a low and wide output with sharp cut off lines to increase vehicle visibility and reduce glare while driving in foggy conditions. Expected lifespan of over 15 000 hours.

Requires reusing existing Day Time Running Light (DRL) on RS Models and Fog Light on others. Wiring instruction will ignite the DRL for day use and automatically ignite the T1 light for night driving.

Camaro SS: You will need to order a complete T2 front end with conversion kit. This will get you a replacement bumper with no mail slot, a splitter, cooling T2 Ports and the T1 Lighting kit.

T2 bumper Assembly w/splitter and T1 Lighting

Camaro LT and LS: You may order a complete new bumper like our SS counterparts or save on paint and install and simply order T2 ports with the T1 lighting kit, Splitter can be added but is optional !

T2 Ports with T1 lighting kit

Existing T2 Port Owners: Simply order the T1 Lighting Kit, it will retro fit to all existing T2 ports, you will need to remove your DRL bracket and reuse the OEM DRL or Fog light.

T1 Kit for T2 Ports

We’ll also use this opportunity to thank you for your business and a Happy Holiday Season!

ACS

Fireball Run Southern Excursion

acscomposite — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 03:39:49 +0000

Gallery

Follow Inferno Camaro in the Chevrolet Fireball Run 2011

acscomposite — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 01:37:44 +0000

The Chevrolet Fireball Run Adventurally is one of America’s most popular motoring events. As well our Race to Recover America’s Missing Children is the largest awareness campaign in the country and has aided in the recovery of 35 missing children.

The Cause : Team TandT #24, wil be driving a 2010 Inferno Camaro searching for Reuban Blackwell.

The Team : Team TandT is made up of Tim Flanary (TandTperformance) and Joseph Taverna (Acs Composite)

http://www.fireballrun.com/profile/45

Tim Flanary, owner of T and T Performance; We are known throughout the automotive industry as a premiere player in the high-performance upgrade market. We have designed the very best high-performance upgrade packages for the Chevrolet Camaro.

Joseph Taverna, Acs Composite, Advanced Composite Specialties is a leading Camaro and Corvette panel manufacturer. ACS has proven its mark in the automotive industry by having built over 75 000 components for various OEM automotive customers. Today ACS is also offering its products to the Specialty Performance Market serving private label customers in addition to its own brand of products like the Acs SS9 window hood and T1 found on the team’s Inferno Camaro.

Make sure to follow and support us as we drive through America searching for Ruben !

The Route

2011 CHEVROLET FIREBALL RUN ADVENTURALLY SCHEDULE

September 23 : Melbourne, FL
September 24: Melbourne, FL
September 25: Jacksonville, FL
September 26: North Charleston, SC
September 27: Peachtree City, GA
September 28: Knoxville, TN
September 29: Clarksville, Tn
September 30: Anniston, AL
October 1 : Gulfport, Ms

Details and times can be found at on the Fireball Run site

We will have a GPS mounted in our car, will post images and stories in this thread, and of course your facebook page. Make sure to click the like button !

ACS Port install at Richie’s Garage

acscomposite — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 02:14:54 +0000

Elisha Cuthbert Spotted in a T2 ACS Camaro

acscomposite — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 03:17:50 +0000

Elisha Cuthbert is no stranger to Montreal, Canada, she spent half of her teen years in a suburb of Montreal and the other half in various TV sets like the hit series 24 and Popular Mechanics. Today Elisha is starring in a new ABC sitcom entitled Happy Endings, on her visits to Montreal she requested to borrow our ACS Development Camaro to run around town. Many of you are familiar with the ACS Camaro, it has been used to develop the entire product line and launch its T2 and T3 body conversion components. It has been showcased at various Camaro shows such as the Camaro Fest in Arizona, traveled to the 2011 OCC and BBOMG gathering just to name a few. Next time you’re driving down the Decarie Highway make sure to take a double look inside the tinted windows of this yellow Camaro, Elisha may be waving you the legendary Camaro salute.

ACS Composite

ACS Camaro T3 Body Conversion Components

acscomposite — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 01:10:10 +0000

Newly released is our full line of T3 Camaro Body Components; T3 Installation kits to upgrade OEM Camaro body panels. The system consist of all the components you’ll need for the upgrade, our most popular ; T2 and T3 bumper components. This past weekend at the GM Camaro Assembly plant was the Builders Meet. Acs showcased its newly developed T3 Body Conversion on its development Camaro.

Components can be installed individually, some components will offer significant performance gains used in conjunction.

T3 Bumper Port can be installed on any SS bumper, now offered in primer, satin black and HCP; Hydro Carbon Paint. (Special Order)

T3 Splitter with Cool Rad option can be installed on any SS bumper, now offered in primer, satin black and HCP; Hydro Carbon Paint. (Special Order)

T3 Hood Ports can be installed on any Stock Camaro Hood and a select few aftermarket hoods.

T3 Rear Quarter Ports can be installed on any Camaro.

T3 Dual Stripe Carbon Kit

Stay tuned as we near production release we will be posting pricing and availability.

www.acscomposite.com

ACS Receives BBOMG Recognition

acscomposite — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 23:18:52 +0000

We’d like to thank everyone who participated at the Oshawa builder meet held on June 10-12th . Various activities were held around the plant tour such as supplier tours, BBQ and the all so special BBOMG dinner. I was so pleased and surprised to be presented with an award on behalf of ACS Composites. Thank you so much for the recognition, as a supporting vendor we value the input the organization offers us, this was an unexpected honor and was thrilled to see our customers value our work. Our company has and will continue to innovate the Camaro market with quality products delivering both function and style without compromising safety and durability.